Vesta and Ceres : insights from the dawn mission for the origin of the solar system / edited by Simone Marchi, Carol A. Raymond, Christopher T. Russell.
Remote observations of the main belt -- Exploring Vesta and Ceres -- Protoplanet Vesta and HED meteorites -- The internal evolution of Vesta -- Geomorphology of Vesta -- The surface composition of Vesta -- Ceres' surface composition -- Carbon and organic matter on Ceres -- Ammonia on Ceres -- Geomorphology of Ceres -- Ceres' internal evolution -- Geophysics of Vesta and Ceres -- Formation of main belt asteroids -- Isotopic constraints on the formation of the main belt -- Origin and dynamical evolution of the asteroid belt -- Collisional evolution of the main belt as recorded by Vesta -- Epilogue : the renaissance of main belt asteroid science.
Summary:
The NASA Dawn mission, launched in 2007, aimed to visit two of the most massive protoplanets of the main asteroid belt: Vesta and Ceres. The aim was to further our understanding of the earliest days of the Solar System, and compare the two bodies to better understand their formation and evolution. This book summarises state-of-the-art results from the mission, and discusses the implications for our understanding not only of the asteroid belt but the entire Solar System. It comprises of three parts: Part 1 provides an overview of the main belt asteroids and provides an introduction to the Dawn mission; Part 2 presents key findings from the mission; and Part 3 discusses how these findings provide insights into the formation and evolution of the Solar System. This is a definitive reference for academic researchers and professionals of planetary science, asteroid science and space exploration.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.